Do it yourself wiring - Bacic Electrical Outlet

Caution: To prevent severe shock or electrocution always turn the power OFF at the service panel before working with wiring.

Never Assume the power is off! Always double check, and test the device before you begin work.

This section covers the basic wiring of an electrical outlet, if you can turn a screwdriver it is fairly simple to do yourself.

Procedure to replace a standard electrical outlet.
1) Turn off power.

2) Use a voltage meter or plug a lamp or radio into the outlet to make sure the power is off.

3) Remove cover plate and outlet from the wall while keeping the wires connected.

4) Inspect the wires that are connected to the outlet. If you have newer cable you should have 1 or 2 black wires, 1 or 2 white wires, and 1 or 2 bare ground wires.
If you have older wiring, you may need to mark which wire is connected to the brass terminal and which wire is connected to the silver terminal.

5) Once you are sure which wire is which, you can disconnect the wires from the old outlet.

6) Now connect the new outlet, while making sure to connect the white wires to the silver terminal and black wires to the brass terminal. Connect the ground wire to the green screw, and also to a green screw on the electrical box, if it is a metal box.

It is important to note that electrical codes change, and that in some areas local electrical codes are not the same as the National Electrical code. The local authority having jurisdiction in your area may have different codes than the national code. It is important to find out if your local codes differ from the national code, your local authority having jurisdiction is the final judge and jury.

Disclaimer: You understand that you are personally responsible for your own wiring,
and that you're wiring should conform to the National Electrical code. The information provided is general installation advice. We make no claims about the completeness or the accuracy of the information as it may apply to an infinite amount of field conditions. It is the responsibility of the person or persons using this information to check with all concerned parties, owners and local authorities, etc. before doing an installation. Users of this information agree to hold Wireityourself.com or any of its agents harmless form liabilities of any kind relating to the use of this information. You also agree to the terms set forth in our terms and conditions.